How gut immune cells move protective IgA in health and inflammatory bowel disease
Integrin αEβ7-dependent IgA transcytosis during homeostasis and IBD
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11290281
Researchers are looking at how a specific gut immune protein, integrin αEβ7, helps plasma cells move protective IgA antibodies across the gut lining in people with and without inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11290281 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is combining experiments in mice with analysis of human tissue and stool samples to see which immune cells carry the integrin αEβ7 and how that affects IgA levels in the gut. They have identified a subset of plasma cells near the base of intestinal crypts that express αEβ7 and are testing how loss of this integrin changes gut bacteria and worsens inflammation in mouse IBD models. The researchers will compare samples from people and mice and look at how integrin-blocking therapies used in IBD might influence IgA and bacterial balance. This work mixes lab-based cell and tissue studies with human-derived specimens to understand mechanisms that could matter to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) who can provide stool samples and possibly intestinal biopsy tissue or clinical history for comparison with laboratory studies.
Not a fit: People without IBD or those unwilling to provide stool or tissue samples are unlikely to be directly involved or to gain direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify why some integrin-targeting therapies affect gut antibody defenses and suggest ways to protect or restore IgA-mediated balance in people with IBD.
How similar studies have performed: Related drugs that block a different gut integrin (α4β7, e.g., vedolizumab) are clinically effective, but the role of αEβ7 on plasma cells and its effects on IgA and the microbiota is a newer, less-explored finding.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RIVERA-NIEVES, JESUS — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: RIVERA-NIEVES, JESUS
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.